What it is
This is an extract obtained from the fruit of bergamot, Citrus aurantium bergamia, a citrus prized in perfumery for its distinctive fresh, sweet-floral scent. It is used in cosmetics as a fragrance or scent-masking ingredient and as a skin-conditioning botanical. In sunscreen products it serves an aromatic and supportive role rather than acting as a UV filter.
Safety & warnings
Bergamot is well known as a source of bergapten and other furocoumarins that can markedly increase skin sensitivity to UV light, so bergamot-derived materials in leave-on sun-exposed products warrant caution; furocoumarin-reduced (bergapten-free) grades reduce this concern. It also contains limonene and related terpenes that are recognized fragrance allergens.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; a botanical extract obtained from the fruit of bergamot, Citrus aurantium bergamia.
Questions everyone asks
Why is bergamot known for photosensitivity?
Bergamot naturally contains furocoumarins such as bergapten that can increase skin sensitivity to UV light unless reduced or removed.
Is bergamot extract a sunscreen active?
No. It is used for fragrance and conditioning and provides no UV protection.